This morning, King Charles read the King's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
The King's Speech is a speech written by the government and read by the King. It announces the government's priorities for the next year.
There were 40 bills announced in the speech, on issues ranging from housing to apprenticeships to the climate. You can find a full list here.
Commenting, NUS UK President, Amira Campbell, said:
“The Skills England bill shows that this Government is prioritising education. We are looking forward to seeing this bill increase the quality of training for apprentices in England.
“Students have been campaigning hard on both public transport costs and mental health provision, so we are particularly pleased to see that the government has listened to the student voice, and plans to enable the renationalisation of buses and trains, as well as modernising our mental health services.
“We are also glad to see the new Government fulfil their manifesto commitments to revive the Renters Rights bill which will protect renters in the private sector from exploitative landlords and poor living conditions. We urge those in charge of the bill to listen to the students who campaigned before the bill was sidelined, and include student renters in the protections that will be afforded to private renters.
“We call on the government to now deliver the other manifesto pledges that they were elected on, particularly the extension of voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds. At 16, you can pay tax, live independently, and even join the armed forces. Therefore, you should have a say in the way your taxes are spent.
“However, from their agenda to advance workers’ rights, reform the apprenticeships levy and tackle spiking - something which plagues university campuses - it is very clear that, for the first time in years, we have a Government prepared to progress the rights and conditions of students and young people.
“We look forward to forging a collaborative relationship with them."
